The AMX-13 DCA is an early Cold War era self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of French origin. It was developed in the late 1960’s to provide forward air defense to French tank battalions. A relatively small production run of 60 vehicles was completed and served until the end of the Cold War. The name DCA stands for Défense Contre Avions which translates to defense against aircraft. The AMX-13 DCA was never used in combat and is no longer in use.

The AMX-13 DCA is based on the AMX-13 chassis and is fitted with a large two man turret that is armed with two 30mm autocannon which are mounted side by side at the front of the turret. The engine and drive train are located at the front and the driver is seated in the left side of the hull.

The armament consists of two powerful 30mm HS-831A autocannon. The guns can be fired semi-automatically or in burst of 5 to 15 rounds. The cyclic rate of fire is 650 rpm per barrel. The maximum effective range is 3 km with the slant range being 5 km.

The AMX-13 DCA is fitted with a Oeil Noir 1 doppler seach and tracking radar. Aircraft and helicopters can be detected out to 12 km and at altitudes of up to 3 km. Alternatively manual fire control can be used.

The AMX-13 DCA is operated from under full armor protection. The steel hull and turret provide protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. An NBC system was not present but four smoke grenade dischargers are fitted on the turret rear.

The tracked chassis provides a good off road performance and allows it to keep up with AMX-13 and AMX-30 tanks in the field. The maximum road speed is reasonable at 60 km/h. A 250 hp petrol engine provides propulsion.

The AMX-13 DCA was only adopted by the French army and only 60 have been produced. The AMX-13 DCA was retired from service at the end of the Cold War along with the rest of the AMX-13 light tanks. Saudi Arabia adopted the AMX-30 DCA which uses an improved DCA turret on the larger AMX-30 tank chassis.